Putin is relishing the spotlight; keeps IOC 'very happy'

Putin is relishing the spotlight; keeps IOC 'very happy'

The negativity has melted away as sporting action has grabbed the headlines at Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be everywhere at the Sochi Olympics these days, whether it is the competition venues, team headquarters or even posing for pictures with sports fans and volunteers.

The leader's presence at Russia's first Winter Olympics was always going to be top news given the country's human rights record, its frosty ties with the United States and the controversial anti-gay propaganda law.

'It is good to have the support of the head of state of the country'

"He is clearly a big sports fan which adds to that (presence)," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters on Monday. "It is good to have the support of the head of state of the country and we are very happy for his support."

Ever since Sochi was surprisingly awarded the Olympics in 2007 following a powerful address by Putin himself to IOC members at their session in Guatemala, the Games at the Black Sea resort have been viewed with suspicion.

Organisers had to build every venue from scratch and the announcement that total investment would exceed $50 billion triggered further negative headlines.

Putin had personally overseen preparations, publicly sacked top officials and wooed the IOC during its inspection visits over the years.

Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin walks through the arena after the Flower Ceremony for the Team Figure Skating.Photographs: Darren Cummings/Pool/Getty Images